CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES RICE BOWL: ENCOUNTER ALEFA

Alefa is a mother, grandmother and farmer. She provides for her three children, three grandchildren and husband by selling her crops. If they fail during one of Malawi’s rainy seasons—or in a drought—her family goes hungry. One particularly difficult year, Alefa was forced to sell some of her land to make ends meet.

She knew she had to start planting crops that could withstand Malawi’s changing climate. So, she attended a CRS-sponsored seed fair, where farmers learn the best crops to plant for the upcoming year, and receive vouchers so they can choose the seeds and supplies they need. Besides rice, Alefa bought corn, cabbage and tomato seeds. This way, she can continue farming rice but also feel confident that, even if her rice fails, she will have other crops to sell.

“This harvest will provide food, shelter and education for my family,” she says. In a few short months, Alefa will be growing corn and harvesting hope.

How can you care for God’s creation this Lent? How can you support those, worldwide, who are forced to flee their homes to find safety or better opportunities? Visit
crsricebowl.org for more. This week, check out the “Catholic Saints” page under the “Reflections” tab to learn more about these holy men and women, and invite them into your Lenten journey